" Making Transit Easier for Mobility-Challenged Riders ”
Q ' Straint Commitment to Innovation and Accessibility
By Maria Huertas
For individuals with mobility challenges , accessible public transportation is not just a convenience — it is a necessity . Ensuring that transit systems are safe , efficient , and userfriendly is the cornerstone to accessible mobility and providing wheelchair users with the ability to travel with ease and independence . As a pioneer in wheelchair securement solutions , Q ’ Straint has consistently led the industry in providing cuttingedge technology that enhances mobility and independence .
Q ' Straint Legacy of Innovation in Securement Solutions
Founded on the belief that safety should be accessible to all , early challenges included convincing transit operators and agencies to adopt a product they had never seen before , but through rigorous testing and advocacy , Q ’ Straint innovations helped to set new safety standards . Jim Reaume , Director of Transit Sales ( North America ), recalls the early days before the adoption of across-the-board accessible mobility standards . “ At the time , there was no industry standard for securing passengers using wheelchairs ,” Reanume said . “ We had to educate transit agencies on the dangers of unsecured wheelchairs and show them how our system could mitigate those risks .”
Breakthrough Technologies : QUANTUM & Q ’ POD
As part of its ongoing commitment to improving accessibility , the company developed QUANTUM as the first fully automatic rear-facing wheelchair securement station , followed by Q ’ POD , an advanced forward-facing securement solution . QUANTUM allows riders to secure themselves with the push of a button . A side-arm lowers and locks the wheelchair in place , significantly reducing the need for driver assistance and streamlining boarding times . The system ’ s ease of use has transformed transit experiences for riders and operators alike . “ If a passenger is unable to press the button , the bus operator can activate the securement system from the dashboard ,” said Teresa Platt , manager of client services at the City of Winnipeg . “ This ensures a seamless experience without requiring operators to leave their seats .” The Q ’ POD is an optimized forward-facing securement system . The system provides an intuitive and efficient forward-facing securement
solution . Its integrated shoulder belt and stabilizing bumper minimize movement while simplifying securement procedures . Designed to enhance both safety and comfort , the securement system sets a new standard in transit accessibility . “ Flexibility is key ,” Platt said . “ Giving riders the choice between forward-facing and rear-facing securement options makes a huge difference in their experience .”
Comprehensive Training for Operators and Staff
The successful implementation of QUANTUM and Q ’ POD requires thorough training for transit operators and maintenance operators to ensure proper securement techniques and passenger safety . Winnipeg Transit , for one , has invested heavily in training programs to familiarize drivers with these advanced securement systems . “ We ’ ve had training for a variety of our staff , including inspectors , operation supervisors , and occupational therapists , who have attended hands-on sessions ,” Platt said . “ The ability to consult with Q ’ Straint ’ s team for additional guidance ensures that our responses to customers are thorough and accurate .” Additionally , training tools such as instructional videos , in-bus demonstrations , and visual guides help streamline the learning process . Standardizing securement practices across fleets minimizes risks , enhances efficiency , and ensures a consistent experience for passengers and drivers alike .
Shaping the Future of Transit Accessibility
As accessibility standards continue to evolve , Q ’ Straint remains committed to the advancement of securement technology . Ongoing research and development efforts focus on refining usability , enhancing safety , and expanding product offerings to accommodate a wider range of mobility devices . The company ’ s legacy of innovation continues to help shape the future of accessible transit . Through groundbreaking products , we have set new benchmarks in passenger safety and independence . With a steadfast focus on research , customer collaboration , and cutting-edge technology , Q ’ Straint remains an industry leader in securement solutions and innovations .
22 | BUSRIDE . COM | FEBRUARY / MARCH 2025